Ulrike Hiltner: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021 |
| Name | Dr. Ulrike Hiltner |
| Address | Professur für Waldökologie ETH Zürich, CHN G 78 Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 57 59 |
| ulrike.hiltner@usys.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Environmental Systems Science |
| Relationship | Lecturer |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 701-1677-00L | Quantitative Vegetation Dynamics: Models from Tree to Globe | 3 credits | 3G | H. Lischke, U. Hiltner, B. Rohner | |
| Abstract | This course provides hands-on experience with models of vegetation dynamics across temporal and spatial scales. The underlying principles, assets and trade-offs of the different approaches are introduced, and students work in a number of small projects with these models to gain first-hand experience. | ||||
| Learning objective | Students will - be able to understand, assess and evaluate the fundamental properties of dynamic systems using vegetation models as case studies - obtain an overview of dynamic modelling techniques from the individual plant to the global level - understand the basic assumptions of the various model types, which dictate the skill and limitations of the respective model - be able to work with such model types on their own - appreciate the methodological basis for impact assessments of future climate change and other environmental changes on ecosystems. | ||||
| Content | Models of individuals - Deriving single-plant models from inventory measurements - Plant models based on 'first principles' Models at the stand scale - Simple approaches: matrix models - Competition for light and other resources as central mechanisms - Individual-based stand models: distance-dependent and distance-independent - Theoretical models Models at the landscape scale - Simple approaches: cellular automata - Dispersal and disturbances (windthrow, fire, bark beetles) as key mechanisms - Landscape models Global models - Sacrificing local detail to attain global coverage: processes and entities - Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs) - DGVMs as components of Earth System Models | ||||
| Lecture notes | Handouts will be available in the course and for download | ||||
| Literature | Will be indicated at the beginning of the course | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | - Basic training in modelling and systems analysis - Basic knowledge of programming, ideally in R - Good knowledge of general ecology, vegetation dynamics, and forest systems | ||||